Beginning with 10 employees, there was no looking back from the initial 25 board of directors in 1966. No one anticipated the job would be easy and it was not. Growing from two small retail thrift stores, a couple of dated donated trucks, and the persistence to succeed, the first rehabilitation facility was opened in 1968. Now, 54 years later with over 900 employees serving as the largest health, human and social services nonprofit in the South Florida area collectively, some of the many services and programs critical to those we serve are assisting people with disabilities through training, education, and job placement, operating and managing the Senator Philip D. Lewis Homeless Resource Center, operation of the Gulfstream Goodwill Transition to Life Academy Charter High School, Adult Day Training programs, non-violent offender reentry services and programs for adults and youth! In addition, Gulfstream Goodwill operates 4 rehabilitation facilities and many residential transitional housing facilities. Affordable transitional housing is one of the greatest needs for those who are transitioning from homelessness and with disabilities in our area so our efforts remain focused on increasing the necessary housing needs.

As a nonprofit leader in providing health, human and social services to those with disabilities and other barriers, the times have indeed changed, but the basic service needs still exist to ensure dignity for those served. Gulfstream Goodwill Industries is extremely proud of our 54 years as a leading nonprofit organization and community partner that continues to uphold the legacy of the Goodwill brand while helping people with disabilities and other barriers to become self-sufficient working members of the communities served.